Shannon Princess Cruise Highlights
The Shannon Princess travels the River Shannon, Ireland’s longest river comprising of a series of lakes, rivers and canals. It is a river of natural beauty, unspoiled landscapes, wild fowl reserves, history, antiquity and folklore. Throughout your journey be inspired by the surrounding beautiful Irish countryside as we cruise to medieval towns and villages along the shoreline between Athlone and Killaloe.
Our cruise is a celebration of Ireland. A combination of beautiful scenery along the River Shannon, the lovely towns and villages we visit and the local produce we use that has enabled us to gain a reputation for fantastic food. For more information on our gourmet meals see our food and wine pages.
If you are interested in a 6 days cruise along the River Shannon for the 2018 season, then contact us for more information. We look forward to welcoming you on board.
Birds of Prey
This is a most memorable shore excursion.
Guests enjoy a private, curated visit to Birds of Prey in the grounds of the 5 star Adare Manor. A unique chance to experience these magnificent birds of prey up close and get a first hand insight into the history and tradition of Falconry. You will be hosted by the estate’s resident Falconers who will introduce you to a selection of their birds. They give you an opportunity to handle individual birds and watch these majestic birds in flight.
Birr Castle
The Award-Winning Gardens of Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre in Ireland and the Science Centre are both rich in amazing feats of science and engineering as well as rare trees and flowers, wonderful wildlife, and walks along peaceful rivers and the lake. The Parsons family invite you to explore one of the most extraordinary places in Ireland. Created over generations it is an environmental and scientific time capsule.
Leap Castle
Leap Castle is said to be the most haunted castle in Ireland. It has had a horrific history with each passing century being punctuated by ferocious acts of violence. One of the most gruesome murders to take place in the castle occurred in 1532 in a room above the main hall of the castle which is now know as ‘The Bloody Chapel’ and this is the room featured in this photograph.
The original castle is thought to have been built circa 1250 and was the principal seat of the fearsome Ely O’Carroll clan. In the aftermath of the death of the chieftain Mulrooney O’Carroll in 1532 a bitter succession dispute arose over the leadership of the clan. The dispute came to an abrupt end when ‘one-eyed Teige O’Carroll’ who as mass was being celebrated in the room stormed in chanting holy rites and drove a sword into the back of the priest who was also his older brother Thaddeus. The fatally wounded priest fell onto the altar in front of his family and breathed his last.
Kilbeggan
The oldest licensed distillery of its kind in Ireland, the Kilbeggan Distilling Company has seen its share of trials and triumphs. Founded in 1757, the distillery spent the next 200 years making a whiskey beloved the world over. So when tough times ground its gears to a halt, the town came together to save the whiskey that had actually built the town. It wasn’t quick or easy, but they persevered. Today, every bottle produced stands as proof that the spirit of Kilbeggan never wavered.
McKernan’s Hand Weavers
Eugene and Anke McKernan have been producing scarves since 1985. Working together in their workshop in Tuamgraney,County Clare they weave on century old Hattersley Domestic looms which combine all the knowledge and precision engineering of the nineteenth century. The knitted styles are made on their 50 year old Stoll knitting machine as well as a modern electronic 8-Gauge machine. Each scarf and shawl is then hand finished in the McKernan’s workshop. By using only the best quality natural fibres, these scarves consciously differ from fast changing fashion trends.
As a family business using traditional production methods, McKernans always try to stay true to their core values of sustainable quality and good design.
